Emergency responders from Macklin, Saskatchewan, will take their fundraising efforts to new heights next month in support of sick children.
Jump for Charity 2025 is set for Sept. 6 at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport, where eight participants will make tandem skydives from 7,500 feet with professional instructors from Skydive South Sask.
The event is raising money for Teddy Bears Anonymous, a volunteer-run Saskatchewan charity that provides sterile, factory-sealed teddy bears to children in hospitals and EMS services across the province.
Two pools of participants, Pool A with Saskatchewan EMS Regina, Hutch Ambulance Moosomin, and Macklin EMS, and Pool B with Moose Jaw Police Service, are competing in a friendly challenge to see who can raise the most money.
Macklin EMS members Jenn Arlitt and Terri Murrell say they are excited, if a little nervous, about jumping out of a plane for the first time.
“No, I have not. I’m a little bit afraid, but very excited. Anything I can do to help, even if it’s jumping out of a plane, I’m pretty excited,” said Arlitt. “Every $5 we raise buys one bear for a child who needs it.”
Murrell, who applied after seeing a colleague take part last year, said the cause makes the nerves worthwhile.
“It is a great charity. For every $5 that we fundraise, that buys one of the teddy bears that’s given to a child in need in hospitals or ambulances in Saskatchewan,” she said. “I love a good challenge, that’s why I joined EMS, and I wanted to try skydiving.”
The charity was founded in 2008 by Luke Lawrence following the loss of his daughter, Erin, who had a deep compassion for sick children. Since then, more than 200,000 teddy bears have been delivered to children across the province.
Donations can be made through CanadaHelps.org, with supporters asked to indicate which pool or team they wish to back. All funds raised go directly to Teddy Bears Anonymous.
The jump is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.